MEET THE ROOKIE - Mateus Herdy

Mateus Herdy is the 2018 World Junior Champion and one of the most anticipated newcomers to the Championship Tour. Recorded just days after his dramatic qualification for the 2026 season, Herdy opens up about the emotional rollercoaster that defined his six-year journey to the CT. The Brazilian aerialist reflects on the heartbreak and disbelief of thinking he’d missed out again this year, the surreal final minutes that flipped the script, and the overwhelming support from the global surf community that followed. He also shares what it meant to qualify alongside close friends, the influence of his hometown of Florianópolis, and how surfing alongside his childhood friends Joao Chianca and Sammy Pupo now feels like a full-circle moment. Herdy breaks down his mindset heading into his rookie year, from traveling with fellow CT competitors to learning iconic stops like Bells Beach and Pipeline, while targeting waves he believes suit his progressive approach. He discusses equipment changes, the support he’s received from Julian Wilson and the Rivvia team, traveling with his coach, Leandro Dora and working with Logan Dulien on Snapt 5. MEET THE ROOKIE is a nine part series of virtual interviews with the 2026 CT Rookie Class. Hosted by Joe Turpel and Kaipo Guerrero, we learn about each rookie's journey, who they are and what they're looking forward to on the Championship Tour. Shop Championship Tour merchandise at http://www.WSLStore.com Compre novos produtos do Championship Tour https://ift.tt/OqF9msU Play WSL Fantasy here - https://ift.tt/Fj4x2K8 Subscribe to Qualifying Series - https://www.youtube.com/@wsl-qs Subscribe to the WSL for more action: https://goo.gl/VllRuj Watch all the latest surfing action of the world's best surfers in the world's best waves. Heats on demand, event highlights and exclusive interviews, right here on the WSL's Youtube channel. For More Visit: https://ift.tt/DpRPGWy Follow us on Instagram: https://ift.tt/JAxXMBa World Surf League https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvMEZWvaA8A